Spring sports regular season hits midway pole-Portland edition

The spring sports season feels like it just started (and if you were outside last week, you’re still waiting for spring weather), but in truth, the short campaign is already halfway completed for some teams and will reach its midway point for others in the days to come.

There has already been a lot of excitement, with more in store.

Here’s a glimpse of what occurred last week and what’s on tap.

Baseball

Portland’s baseball team remained undefeated last week, improving to 7-0 with wins at Windham (3-2) and Noble (10-3) and at home over Sanford (7-1). Dan Marzilli threw a two-hitter at the Eagles. Donnie Tocci earned the win against the Knights, while Jake Knop singled, doubled and tripled and scored three runs, Nick Archambault had three hits and drove in two runs, George Chaison-Lapine had two hits and scored twice and John Williams had two hits, two RBI and two runs scored. In the win over the Spartans, Marzilli came on in relief to replace Charles Barnard, who had to leave with a blister, and earned the victory. Tommy Joyce had yet another key pinch-hit, a two-run single, to break open the game.

“I knew I was supposed to come in today,” Marzilli said. “I didn’t expect it would be the fourth inning. I was prepared and ready to go whenever they needed me.”

“We always do it in the late innings, even last year,” Joyce said. “We always have guys step up late and find ways to win.”

“Games like this are hard to play, when you’re supposed to win,” added Bulldogs coach Mike Rutherford. “It wasn’t a good day to hit, but we did hit some hard balls. We’re a veteran team and we’re doing what it takes to win. We have eight kids returning. They feel pretty confident they’re going to win.”

Portland (fourth behind Falmouth, Thornton Academy and South Portland in the Class A South Heal Points standings at press time) hosted Marshwood Tuesday, visits Cheverus Thursday (see theforecaster.net for both game stories), plays at Bonny Eagle Saturday and visits Thornton Academy Tuesday of next week.

Cheverus was 4-2 and sixth in Class A South following shutout wins over visiting Marshwood (3-0) and at Massabesic (3-0) and an 1-0 eight-inning setback to visiting South Portland. Jack Casale threw a two-hitter against the Hawks, striking out seven. Matt LaPoint and Griffin Watson both had two hits. In the win over the Mustangs, Tre Fletcher threw a four-hitter and fanned 13. Casale, LaPoint, Jared Brooks and Josh Veroneau all had two hits. Alex Jacobs allowed just one unearned run on two hits in eight innings in the loss to the Red Riots. Casale had two hits, but the Stags only managed four total. Cheverus went to Bonny Eagle Tuesday, hosts Portland Thursday and Westbrook Saturday and visits Scarborough Monday.

Deering extended its win streak to four last Tuesday with a 3-2 victory at Westbrook, then lost at Marshwood (4-0) and at home to Massabesic (5-2). In the win, James Sinclair earned the victory and Colby Dame the save and James Latini, Luciano Minervino and Spencer Todd all had RBI. The Rams’ offense then went silent for 14 innings and they dug a 5-0 hole against the Mustangs Saturday morning, but leading off the bottom of the sixth, Sinclair crushed a home run out of Hadlock Field. Deering added another, but despite two hits apiece from Todd, Dom Bernard and Ian Westphal, couldn’t complete the comeback.

Deering (4-3 and seventh in Class A South) has a brutal upcoming stretch, which began Tuesday with a home game versus Scarborough and former Rams coach Mike D’Andrea (see theforecaster.net for game story). Deering plays at South Portland Thursday, then visits Gorham Saturday.

In Class C South, Waynflete began the week 3-3 and 11th after a 12-2 (six inning) loss at Old Orchard Beach and a 10-2 home victory over North Yarmouth Academy. Tom Silk threw a two-hitter in the victory and Owen Ardell, Ava Farrar and Ben Mallon all had two hits. The Flyers were home with NYA Monday and Traip Academy Tuesday and go to Traip Monday of next week.

Softball

Portland’s softball team has already equaled last year’s win total. Last week, the Bulldogs lost at home to Thornton Academy (12-3), then beat host South Portland (10-4) for the first time since May 28, 2005, to improve to 4-2. In the loss, the Bulldogs carried a 3-2 lead to the seventh, then gave up 10 runs. Morgan Boyle had a pair of hits. In the victory, Jess Brown earned the win and had three hits, as did Boyle, who drove in three runs. Portland (13th in the Class A South Heal points standings) was home with Noble Monday, hosted powerhouse Scarborough in a makeup game Tuesday, goes to Deering Wednesday and Massabesic Friday and plays host to Marshwood Monday.

Deering got its second victory last Tuesday, 8-6, at Cheverus, then fell to 2-5 and 15th after losses to visiting Marshwood (16-3) and Sanford (19-5, in six innings). Cassidy Coyne had the big hit in the win, a three-run triple. Kaytlin DiBiase earned the victory and Siobhan Densmore and Kaylee Hemlock both had two hits. Densmore had a triple against the Hawks. Coyne doubled, tripled and had two RBI in the loss to the Spartans. The Rams went to Windham Monday, host Portland Wednesday, welcome Biddeford Friday and visit South Portland Monday of next week.

McAuley had dropped six straight and fell to 1-6 and 17th in Class A South at press time after falling last week at Marshwood (6-5), at home against Gorham (15-3) and at Massabesic (9-5). Kim Fisher had a pair of hits and scored twice against the Mustangs. The Lions were home with Bonny Eagle Monday, host Cheverus Wednesday, then have the daunting task of visiting Scarborough Friday and Thornton Academy Monday of next week.

Cheverus was 0-7 and 18th in Class A South at press time after losing to visiting Deering (8-6), at Massabesic (12-0, in six innings) and at home to Thornton Academy (12-6). Brooke Dawson had a two-run double and Sophia Giancotti had a pair of hits against the Rams. Giancotti also had two hits against the Mustangs. Izzy Santoro had three hits and Ally Tillotson hit a home run in the loss to the Golden Trojans. The Stags were at Marshwood Monday, visit McAuley Wednesday, host Windham Friday and play at Biddeford Monday of next week.

Boys’ lacrosse

Cheverus’ boys’ lacrosse team has positioned itself as a top contender in Class A North. The Stags increased their win streak to four last week by triumphing at two-time defending Western A champion South Portland (11-4) and previously undefeated Gorham (9-5).

Against the Red Riots, Frank Curran’s goal 73 seconds in put the Stags on top to stay and goals from Marco Giancotti and senior Alex Nason soon after made it 3-0. South Portland pulled within 4-3, but couldn’t get the equalizer thanks to the stellar play of Cheverus goalie Sean Walsh. The Stags got some breathing room when Giancotti and Michael Hatch scored before halftime and Curran and sophomore Max Coffin scored in the third period to make it 8-3. The Red Riots snapped a 20-plus minute drought to cut the deficit to four, but fourth quarter goals from Finn Cawley, Curran and Curran once more slammed the door as Cheverus went on to an 11-4 triumph, its first over the Red Riots in four years. Curran led the way with four goals and Walsh made 10 saves.

We came out with high intensity,” Curran said. “That was the key factor. We knew this game meant a lot.”

“It was all my defense,” Walsh said. “They make it easy for me. Honestly, they do their job and it’s easy for me to do my job.”

Cheverus (4-1 and fourth in Class A North) was home with Bonny Eagle Tuesday, visits Greely for a crossover Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and plays host to Scarborough Tuesday of next week.

Portland won, 8-6, at Deering last Tuesday, then fell to 4-2 and ninth in A North after a 13-1 home loss to Scarborough. Robert Nolan had four goals in the victory. The Bulldogs welcome Thornton Academy Thursday and play host to Edward Little Saturday.

Deering started with three straight losses, capped by an 8-6 home setback against Cheverus, then got in the win column in surprising fashion Friday, upsetting host Thornton Academy, 9-7, behind Andrew Johnson’s four goals. Bryce Randall and Nate Richards both scored twice. The Rams (1-3 and seventh in Class A North) were at Scarborough Tuesday, visit Maranacook Friday, host Oak Hill Saturday and welcome Bonny Eagle Tuesday of next week.

Waynflete began the week 3-2 and fourth in Class B South after a 14-8 victory at Fryeburg Academy and a 19-7 home win over Lake Region. Hank Duvall had four goals and Miles Lipton and Will Nelligan both scored three against the Raiders. Nelligan scored six times and Duvall had nine assists in the win over the Lakers. The Flyers were at Freeport Tuesday, go to Gorham Friday and host NYA Tuesday of next week.

Girls’ lacrosse

Waynflete’s girls had an up-and-down week and were 3-2 and fourth in Class B South at press time after a 13-3 home loss to Kennebunk and a 10-8 win at Freeport. Izzy Burdick scored twice in the loss to the Rams, whose defensive prowess proved to be too much to overcome.

“It was frustrating, but I also appreciate a really great defense,” said Flyers coach Cathie Connors. “Hats off to (Kennebunk) for that. I knew they were a great team coming in and I knew we faced a challenge.”

Burdick and Moore both had two goals in the victory. Waynflete hosts Fryeburg Academy Wednesday, goes to Cheverus Saturday and plays at NYA Monday.

In Class A North, Deering has already eclipsed last year’s win total. The Rams sandwiched victories last week at Noble (10-4) and Camden Hills (12-7) with an 8-7 home loss to Cheverus. Deering (3-2 and fifth in the Heals) was home with Massabesic Tuesday, hosts Windham Thursday and plays at Westbrook Tuesday of next week.

Cheverus’ season-opening skid reached three last Tuesday with a 12-6 home loss to Bonny Eagle, but the Stags got in the win column last Thursday, 8-7 at Deering. After hosting Portland Tuesday, Cheverus (1-3 and third in Class A North) goes to Massabesic Thursday, welcomes Waynflete for a crossover battle Saturday and travels to defending Class A champion Marshwood Tuesday of next week.

McAuley fell to 1-4 and sixth in Class A North after losses last week at Biddeford (18-5) and NYA (13-7). Kaeli Leddy had two goals against the Tigers and against the Panthers, Catherine Reid scored three goals, but the Lions let a 6-4 second half lead slip away.

“NYA is very competitive and they have great talent,” McAuley coach Jackie Dubois said. “Draw controls really hurt us in the second half. That’s the key to any lacrosse game and they won those.”

The Lions hosted Westbrook Tuesday, go to Sanford Thursday and visit Gorham Tuesday of next week.

Portland fell to 0-3 and 11th in Class A North after a 17-3 home setback to Massabesic last Tuesday. The Bulldogs hoped to get in the win column Tuesday at Cheverus, play host to South Portland Thursday, visit Gardiner Saturday and travel to Windham Tuesday of next week.

Outdoor track

Cheverus’ girls hosted McAuley and two other teams in a meet last week. The Stags were first and the Lions came in fourth. Cheverus got wins from Hannah Abbott in the 100 (13.87 seconds), Emily Turner in the 200 (27.69) and 400 (1 minute, 2.13 seconds), Rosie Train in the mile (5:48.69), Emma White in the 100 hurdles (18.08) and the triple jump (30 feet-9 nine inches), Katelyn Gendron in the long jump (15-1), Emily Grinnell in the discus (111-1) and their 4×100 (54.15) and 4×800 (12:19.70) relay teams. McAuley’s Alessia Toohey won the shot put (32-8.5).

Deering and Portland’s girls took part in a four-team meet in Windham. The Rams finished first and the Bulldogs were fourth. Deering got first-place showings from Annah Rossvall in the 100 hurdles (18.28) and 300 hurdles (51.04), Nicole Whipkey in the mile (5:56.26), Grace Tumavicus in the mile (13:39.89), Neilab Habibzai in the shot put (30-6) and discus (96-7.5) and its 4×800 relay team (10:48.49). Portland got wins from Ella Altidor in the 100 (13.12) and 200 (27.71), Maggie Hosmer in the 800 (2:35.24) and its 4×100 (55.11) and 4×400 (4:38.41) relays.

Cheverus’ girls came in second to Edward Little at Friday’s Scarborough Relays, while Deering finished seventh and McAuley was 15th.

Cheverus’ boys were third behind Gorham and host Biddeford in their meet last week. The Stags got wins from Luke Trickey in the 100 (11.46), Will Kelly in the javelin (139-11) and their 4×100 relay team (46.13).

Portland hosted Deering, Sanford and Windham. The Rams came in third and the Bulldogs finished fourth. Deering got wins from Abdi Hassan in the mile (4:46.0) , Ezra Chapolia in the long jump (18-9) and its 4×100 (46.8) and 4×400 (3:47.1) relays. Portland first-place finishers included Alex Frank in the 400 (54.7) and Ryan Donaldson in the 110 hurdles (18.90),

Waynflete’s boys and girls took part in a four-team meet in Yarmouth. The boys didn’t score and the girls were fourth. Emily Tabb was runner-up in the racewalk (9:48.42).

Tennis

Portland’s boys’ tennis team is quietly putting together a strong season. The Bulldogs improved to 5-0 and fourth in the Class A South Heal Points standings at press time after 5-0 wins last week over Sanford, Windham and Westbrook. The Bulldogs girls dropped their opening match, but extended their win streak to five and improved to 5-1 (and fifth in Class A South) after downing Sanford (5-0), Windham (3-2) and Westbrook (4-0) last week.

Deering’s boys began the week 5-1 and third in Class A South after extending their win streak to four by downing Cheverus (5-0), Massabesic (4-1) and Biddeford (5-0). The Rams girls followed up a 3-2 loss to Cheverus with wins over Massabesic (4-1) and Biddeford (5-0) last week to improve to 4-2 and seventh in Class A South.

Cheverus’ boys dropped their first four matches, including decisions of 3-2 to Biddeford and 5-0 to Deering last week, then improved to 1-4 and 10th in Class A South Friday with a 4-1 win at Massabesic. The Stags (who last missed the playoffs in 2000) hosted Portland Monday. Cheverus’ girls won three straight matches last week, 5-0 over Biddeford, 3-2 over Deering and 4-1 over McAuley, to improve to 4-1 and sixth in Class A South. The Stags had a showdown at Portland Monday.

McAuley dropped to 0-5 and 16th in Class A South after losses last week to Marshwood (3-1), Windham (5-0) and Cheverus (4-1).

In Class C South, Waynflete’s boys, the eight-time defending state champion, beat Freeport in a pair of matches by 5-0 scores, then lost, 5-0, to two-time defending Class A champion Falmouth to fall to 4-1 and fifth in the Heals. The Flyers are at three-time defending Class B champion Cape Elizabeth Friday. Waynflete’s girls began the week 2-3 and sixth after two wins over Freeport (5-0 and 4-1) and a 5-0 loss to eight-time defending state champion Falmouth. The Flyers went to two-time defending Class B champion Greely Tuesday.